Craig Elliott has identified potential transfer targets but wants to keep '75 per cent' of Boston United squad for next season

Craig Elliott wants to keep the majority of his Boston United squad together next season.

The Pilgrims boss finds himself in a bizarre situation of possibly having to prepare his squad for a play-off push, while also attempting to strengthen his squad for a new campaign when football can resume.

The National League clubs have voted not to play this season’s outstanding fixtures, halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, it is yet to be decided whether the campaign will be declared null and void or settled on a points per game basis.

If the outcome is the latter then Boston look likely to be moved up to third spot in the National League North and could be involved in some form of play-offs for promotion.

Either way, Elliott is adamant he doesn’t want to break up his team and start afresh.

“That’s the priority first and foremost,” he said.”We don’t want to let a lot of players leave.

“Naturally, 20-25 per cent of the squad will move on, but really we want to keep 75 per cent of the squad.

“The league table showed how good the lads are. We’d like to keep the core of the squad together, fingers crossed.”

Due to United possibly seeing further action, the playing squad’s contracts have been extended. However, most league rivals have seen their players’ contracts come to an end this week, leaving a number of free agents.

Elliott and chairman David Newton have identified potential targets, but not knowing when this season ends or when football will return makes it hard for clubs to begin making financial offers.

“I’ve spoken to some players about coming in,” Elliott continued. “But it’s difficult as we could still be involved in the play-offs.

“We’ve spoken about targets and how we want to improve for next year.

“There are players we’ve identified and want to bring in, but we still don’t know everything about finances moving forward. It’s difficult as we don’t know exactly what is happening at the moment.”

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